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A bill that would let Utahns carry concealed weapons in the state without having to have a concealed-carry permit stalled in committee Thursday, but its sponsor thinks he can still get the bill passed this session.

Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, is proposing the so-called constitutional carry bill, which states that anyone over age 21 without a serious criminal record could carry a weapon in most places in the state.

They would still need a concealed weapon permit to take a firearm into a school or university campus.

If it passes, Utah would join Vermont, Alaska and Arizona as the only states with such a law, although Wimmer said 14 states have legislation that would enact similar laws.

Wimmer said individuals can openly carry a firearm now as long as it doesn't have a bullet in the chamber. His bill would allow someone to conceal the weapon.

Several members expressed concern that the bill would eliminate the required background check and instruction.

There also would be no checks, as there are now, on whether a concealed weapon permit should be revoked for some reason. Currently, several hundred permits are suspended or revoked each year.

"Safety training and proficiency isn't a prerequisite to be able to defend yourself," said Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, a concealed weapons instructor. "Restrictive laws like we've got right now basically are restrictive only against the law-abiding citizen."

The Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, made up of the heads of several law enforcement agencies, opposes the bill.

"We feel we have a reasonable and rational system in place right now that appropriately handles [firearms] and simply do not see the need for the change," said Ron Gordon, director of the commission.

Rep. Lee Perry, R-Perry, who is a lieutenant in the Utah Highway Patrol, expressed concern that Wimmer's bill would enable a gang member who doesn't have a record to carry a concealed weapon.

Wimmer said that person could get a concealed weapon permit now.

An effort to kill the bill failed on a 5-5 vote and the committee voted to hold the bill. Wimmer said four House members who support the bill were absent and he expects it will pass next time the committee meets.